About the MIR lab
Welcome to the Motivation and Intercultural Relations (MIR) Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Victoria, located on beautiful Vancouver Island. In the MIR lab, we explore the psychological and motivational forces that shape how immigrants, ethnic minorities, and international students adapt, integrate, and find a sense of belonging. By investigating the intersections of intercultural communication, language learning, and motivational beliefs, we aim to uncover what helps individuals succeed in diverse environments. Our vision is to mentor the next generation of scholars in these areas and share our insights to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Areas of Research
Intercultural Communication
We study intercultural communication and intergroup relations, investigating the factors that shape how individuals from diverse backgrounds interact and relate to one another. Furthermore, we develop and evaluate targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive intergroup contact and improving motivational outcomes.
Motivation
Motivation is at the core of the MIR Lab. We investigate the underlying beliefs and expectations that drive how people think and behave within different social and educational settings. Crucially, we approach this through a cultural lens, exploring how an individual’s cultural context and environment shape their motivation.
Language Acquisition & Social Dynamics
Language is more than just a tool; it is a profound marker of social identity. We investigate the psychology of language learning, exploring what motivates individuals to improve their skills and connect with diverse cultures. Additionally, we examine how and why people judge others based on their languages, accents, and distinct speech features.
Migrants’ Integration
We study the psychological processes and lived experiences associated with migration, including leaving familiar cultural contexts, acquiring new languages, shifting identities, and navigating discrimination.
We are a group of researchers from the Department of Psychology, University of Victoria. Everyone in the team contributing to the lab’s functioning – Graduate students, honours students, indepedent study students, and undergraduate research assistants – we all play a vital role in this effort. The director of the MIR lab is Dr. Nigel Mantou Lou, who is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology.